DEMOPOLIS &8212; After announcing in June the hiring of a new principal, Dr. Fred Sakon, and a new assistant principal, Mark Farmer, the opening of West Alabama Christian School for the beginning of the 2007-2008 school year is still uncertain. This news came at a recent board meeting to discuss the viability of opening the school&8217;s doors, both financially and operationally.

According to Holman, the school had approximately 200 interested applicants during their registration period this summer. Only 60 of those first interested returned applications and went through the full registration process.

Holman also said that the school&8217;s daycare program, which includes a K-5 group meant as a transitional grade for children not quite ready for elementary school, has been doing very well and there are no plans to shut it down at any time.

The elementary through high school sector of the school, however,

is having the most difficulty in interest and support. The response has not been as favorable as they had hoped for either interested students or teachers, Holman said.

Holman said that they want to open up a quality institution and are not interested in having to combine grades in order to operate.

As a parent, Holman said, he understands that plans and arrangements need to be made, and therefore time is of the essence.

Holman said they are continuing to accept applications and are hopeful that they will receive more this week. If they do not receive enough registered students by the time Demopolis City Schools begin on August 9, Holman said, they will not be able to open their elementary through high school grades this fall.

Eugene Corley, financial officer for Fairhaven Baptist Church which purchased what was formerly West Alabama Preparatory School to open WAC, said that the deciding factor will depend on how many more applicants they receive and also which grades they will be in.

Corley also mentioned that running a high school is much more costly than an elementary school. Therefore, it may be possible to get enough students in the lower grades for the school to open.

Corley also said that they have alerted the parents of the currently registered students of the situation, should they need to being looking to enroll their children elsewhere for this upcoming school year.